[Hip diseases in children].

In the orthopedic practice, the hip joint is of special importance at all ages. For the general practitioner and the pediatrician are those disorders of the hip of high importance, for which early diagnosis and initiation of treatment is critical for prognosis. The following disorders should be looked for in priority, if symptoms indicate a possible affection of hip: congenital dysplasia and dislocation of the hip, coxitis, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and tumors. One should always be aware that especially in children disease of the hip need not necessarily present with symptoms directly located within the region of the hip. Especially the child often complains only about knee or vague leg pain, while having a disorder of the hip; therefore, the cause of any pain should always also be looked for proximal to the structure, where the pain may be localized by the patient.